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"It's just tough to lose this game. We need this one," said Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist after last night's 3-1 loss to Ottawa, the New York Times reports. The defeat marks New York's eighth in their last ten games. Chris Kelly, Mike Fisher and Jason Spezza scored for Ottawa. Scott Gomez had the Rangers' lone goal, minutes into the first. Elsewhere in the NHL:

Mike Ribeiro had a goal and two assists for Dallas, who beat Montreal 4-1. The surging Stars have won six of their last seven.

Cody McCormick and Andrew Brunette scored in rapid succession in the third period to give the Avalanche a 3-1 win over Vancouver, and with it a tie for first in the Northwest.